Wemyss Bay Butcher Scoops Scotch Product of the Year Award

The hard work and passion of Scotland’s top food and drink businesses and retailers has been recognised at this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards with McCaskie Butchers scooping the prize for Scotch Product of the Year.

Competing against extremely stiff competition, Wemyss Bay-based McCaskie Butchers took home the coveted award in recognition for its Unsmoked Back Bacon - a delicious and versatile product that has proved popular with consumers and demonstrates dedication to the Specially Selected Pork brand.

Nigel Ovens, owner of McCaskie Butchers said: “We are so delighted to have won this prestigious award for Scotch Product of the Year with our unsmoked back bacon. With so much competition this year, it is testament to our hard-working team and to my family with whom I run the business.

“We’re extremely proud of our heritage and being a traditional family business specialising in quality meat and meat products.

“As with all McCaskie products, our bacon range is hand produced in small batches in order that we can ensure premium quality control. Our bacon only uses 100% Scottish Specially Selected Pork and our cure is made to a special recipe which has been passed down through the generations. The end result is a supremely tasty bacon! Our bacon sells really well across the counter in our shop in Wemyss Bay, but we also sell it throughout the country via our website and to a number of Scotland's top restaurants.”

Now in its 20th year, this year’s Food & Drink Excellence Awards was held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, where 800 guests from across the industry came together to celebrate Scotland’s thriving food and drink sector.

The prestigious Scotch Product of the Year award, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland, recognises businesses in Scotland which are retailing Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI or Specially Selected Pork in products of exceptional taste and quality.

Alan Clarke, QMS Chief Executive said: “Supporting the Scotch Product of the Year category at the Scotland Food and Drink Awards gives us the chance to champion those getting behind the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands who are creating delicious, innovative and versatile products for Scottish consumers to enjoy.

“We are delighted that McCaskie Butchers have been recognised for their exceptional product and their commitment to the Scottish red meat industry.”

To find out more about this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards go to www.excellenceawards.foodanddrink.scot

For more information on the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands, including recipes, videos and tips, visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.